Gone are the days when Mimosas were only synonymous with Sunday brunch or Mother’s Day picnics. With the explosion of DIY at-home cocktails, combined with the affordability of sparkling wines like Prosecco and Cava, VinePair’s Bubbly Week is the perfect time to experiment with Mimosa-inspired cocktails.
Traditionally, a Mimosa includes equal parts sparkling wine and citrus juice — usually orange, given its ease and wide availability. But with a few tweaks and a bit of inspiration, Mimosas are getting a makeover with these irresistible variations.
The Saon 75
A twist on the trendy French 75, the Saon 75 uses Calvados in place of gin. Calvados, a brandy made in Normandy, France, has flavors of apples and occasionally pears. Together with a splash of lemon juice, this bubbly concoction is like sipping on a fruit salad.
The Strawberry Sparkler
Pisco, a type of Chilean or Peruvian brandy, is mixed with strawberry simple syrup and sparkling rosé in this flavorful pink cocktail. To please myriad brunch-goers, adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit different tastes.
The Dark Cherry Mimosa
Grapefruit juice along with cherry syrup play yin and yang in this tart, yet subtly sweet, cocktail. This easy three-ingredient Mimosa doesn’t even require a homemade syrup — simply use the juice from the Maraschino cherry jar! Top with grapefruit rind, or nibble on cherries while you sip.
THE MEDITERRANEAN SPARKLING SPRING
An ode to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, Italian Prosecco and French Triple-Sec are combined to create this refreshing medley. A little tart and a touch sweet, the fresh mint garnish adds balance to this flavor explosion.
THE SPARKLING STRAWBERRY BELLINI
This is the thirst quencher of your dreams. A medley of strawberry purée, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar mix with your favorite kind of Prosecco for this fresh and simple cocktail. Garnish with a fresh strawberry for an effortless yet elegant finish.
The Effervescent Love
Guaranteed to hit a flavor button your guests haven’t tried before, strawberry and fig simple syrup adds layers and dimension to this otherwise simple Mimosa-inspired cocktail. Kick it up a notch with a splash of lemon juice and get ready for praise. Make the simple syrup in advance for this cocktail to come together quickly in front of guests.
